Toronto East York, Canada

This flyer distributed at 165 Barrington Avenue raised a number of thorny issues. Although the recent buglary is currently at the top of tenants’ concerns there are a number of other pressing issues that need to be dealt with. For example, for several months tenants have had to contend with malfunctioning and ‘out of order’ laundry machines and loss of money. While this causes a lot inconvenience and stress, the ‘repairs and capital expenditures’ issue is the most worrisome given the wide disparity in rent for units of the same size. This wide disparity in rent for units of the same size raises questions about how the regulations related to the ‘Above the Guideline Increase’ legislation are being interpreted.

Another worrisome matter is the disrespectful and intimidating attitude of the landlord and the landlord’s agents and the sense of powerlessness and frustration tenants experience. Tenants are not powerless and should always remember that they are paying rent and that we have a Residential Tenancies Act in Ontario. You can view that Act at this link: http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Law/STEL02_111323.html

All of the tenants’ concerns can be addressed effectively if tenants come together and form atenants association in this building. Check our link TENANTS ASSOCIATION for guidance on how to establish your association. Tenants should contact the Federation of Metro Tenants Association (FMTA) and ask the Organizing and Outreach team for help in establishing a Tenants Association in the building. Contact: 416-413-9442 and check out their website at http://www.torontotenants.org/